Preity Zinta is a popular Indian actress, film producer and entrepreneur known for her work in Hindi cinema. Recognised for her charming screen presence, dimpled smile and versatile acting, she became one of Bollywood's prominent actresses during the late 1990s and 2000s. She gained recognition through films such as Dil Se.., Soldier, Kya Kehna, Dil Chahta Hai, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Koi... Mil Gaya and Veer-Zaara. Alongside her acting career, Preity Zinta is known for her business ventures and association with the Indian Premier League cricket team Punjab Kings
Preity Zinta was born on 31 January 1975 in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. Her father, Durganand Zinta, was an Indian Army officer, and her mother is Nilprabha Zinta. She experienced a difficult childhood following the death of her father in a car accident when she was 13 years old.
She studied at the Convent of Jesus and Mary boarding school in Shimla and later graduated from St. Bede's College with a degree in English honours. She also pursued postgraduate studies in criminal psychology before entering the entertainment industry. Preity began her career with modelling assignments and television commercials. She made her film debut with Dil Se.. in 1998 and appeared in Soldier the same year. Her performances earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. She established herself as a leading actress with films including Sangharsh, Kya Kehna, Dil Chahta Hai, Dil Hai Tumhaara and Kal Ho Naa Ho. Her performance in Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. She subsequently appeared in successful films such as Koi... Mil Gaya, Lakshya, Veer-Zaara, Salaam Namaste and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. Preity also made her international film debut with the Canadian drama Heaven on Earth (2008), for which she received the Silver Hugo Award for Best Actress at the Chicago International Film Festival. Beyond acting, she entered film production and business. She co-owns the IPL franchise Punjab Kings and has remained a familiar presence in Indian entertainment and cricket. In 2016, she married Gene Goodenough. The couple welcomed twins in 2021. Through her memorable performances, award-winning roles and entrepreneurial activities, Preity Zinta has established a distinctive place in Indian cinema.